1. Do one more thing. Make one more call - that could be the one. Send another email - who knows what could happen. Go to another networking meeting - this could be the one – the big one.
2. Do one less thing. Send one less email and make a phone call instead. Send one less "blind" application and make a personal contact. Watch one less episode of Oprah and take one more class to help you.
3. Be real. If you have a job and you want to change, be open to what comes up but know that it could take longer than in better job markets. If you don't have a job, think about taking with less money or prestige. Ask for help if you need it. Don't pretend everything is fine when it's not.
4. Be unique. In tough times you can't be as good as the next person. You need to better or different. If the employer wants X give them X and Y and also a couple of helpings of 123 and 456. Sell yourself as someone who will give them something extra.
5. Be grateful. If you're working take time to say thanks and help others who need your support and help. If you're not working be grateful for your family, your friends, your health or the sunrise or sunset. Be grateful for any advice or coaching even if it may not seem helpful, appreciate the intention behind the words. Be grateful for possibilities.
David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and in the USA with major organizations including the BBC, Fuji Television, Mattel, Sony, and Warner Bros.
He has successfully coached individuals at all levels including CEOs of major companies wanting a new challenge, frustrated souls wanting to make their dream come true, and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.
David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.
David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.
He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.
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David Couper, The Official Guide to Career Change.